Melita Have announced that works have started on Melita’s newest €10 million project, the laying of a state-of-the-art submarine fibre optic cable connecting Malta to Sicily. The project is part of a long-term investment by Melita to provide an enhanced experience to its clients, catering for the increased technological needs of the local market.

Details about the works, which are expected to be completed within the upcoming months, were announced by Mr. Malcolm Briffa, Melita’s Head of Marketing, during an on-site visit by members of the press as divers started preparing to lay the cable.

“The project will lead to an enhanced overall experience for all Melita clients. The commencement of these works constitutes a major milestone in Melita’s drive for a fully integrated network and is yet another step towards consolidating Melita’s position as provider of reliable, efficient and fast connectivity services. Melita plans to have its 100 km fibre optic cable commissioned and operational in the coming months,” Mr Briffa said.

Mr Simon Montanaro, Melita’s Chief Technology Officer, explained how this investment will provide better long-term value for Melita’s customers, both corporate and domestic.

“From the corporate point of view, we will be able to service our business clients with a more comprehensive and holistic solution that offers the whole spectrum of services and technologies that guarantee extensive international connectivity that is affordable and reliable,” Mr Montanaro explained.

The project kicked off last year, when a detailed survey of the seabed was carried out to determine the route along which the cable will be laid and buried and what obstacles needed to be negotiated. Following an international tendering process, the project was entrusted to a consortium formed by NSW and Italtel Group.

Currently, Melita has over 50,000 customers subscribed to its broadband internet service. Melita is the only broadband provider to offer internet speeds of up to 30Mbits.